Diabetic jailed for killing Anna

TRAGIC . . . Anna Horsfall who suffered fatal injuries after being knocked down

Driver’s blood-sugar attack at the wheel
A DRIVER began a jail sentence yesterday after knocking down and killing an Oldham woman as he suffered a diabetic attack at the wheel.

Nigel Leslie Rigby (51), a diabetic for over three decades, had failed to check his blood sugar level before leaving hospital after visiting his sick wife. He pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to causing death by careless driving.

Anna Horsfall (31) was knocked down by Rigby’s car on December 9, 2010 in Spencer Street, Chadderton. She was walking on the kerb because the pavement was icy — as Rigby was suffering a hypoglycaemic attack. Miss Horsfall died from head injuries.

As Rigby was sentenced to 16 months in jail, Judge Leslie Hull blamed his failure at managing his type-one diabetes on that one fatal occasion.

Tears flowed from both families as sentence was passed. Rigby was also baned from driving for 10 years.

Anna’s father David, who now lives in Spain, said in a statement: “This has left a devastating effect on our family. No one had the chance to say goodbye to her.”

Defending, Mr Guy Mathieson, said Rigby, of Sycamore Avenue, Oldham, was under stress following his wife’s operation. Events led to a “perfect storm” of circumstances.


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